Slovakia blocks EU plan to extend Russia sanctions for 12 months

EU ambassadors failed to reach consensus on a proposal to lock in Russia sanctions for 12 months, with Slovakia as the sole holdout. This breaks the bloc's usual unanimity and signals growing internal friction over Russia policy, potentially delaying or weakening future sanctions packages. The move is notable as it is the first time a member state has publicly blocked a routine extension, raising uncertainty about the EU's ability to maintain a unified front.